In addition to the prohibition on material support to proscribed groups, sanctions programs imposed by the United Nations, the U.S. and the EU, among others, inhibits the delivery of lifesaving aid to many countries. These programs may prohibit the flow of goods without adequate protections for humanitarian action, or place restrictions on financial services that delay or prevent program funds from reaching programs. Examples of countries sanctioned by the U.S. include Cuba, Syria and North Korea, all of which experience humanitarian need.
Please also see our pages on Counter-terrorist Financing and Humanitarian Safeguards.
Featured Resources
Voices from the Field: Hazem Rihawi on the Challenges of Local NPOs in Syria
By Zach Theiler Hazem Rihawi, a native from Aleppo, Syria, told me of his journey from work as a first responder in Syria to his current home in Washington D.C. Today he advocates for
70+ Nonprofit Organizations Call on Administration to Lift Sanctions to Save Lives During Pandemic
The Charity & Security Network joined over 70 organizations in an April 23, 2020 letter to President Donald Trump, Secretary of Treasury Steve Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo calling for relief from sanctions
U.S. Treasury, FATF Support Financial Access for Nonprofits Battling COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, both the U.S. Department of Treasury and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) issued statements that emphasize the urgent need for aid in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, calling for
Ilhan Omar Introduces “Pathway to Peace” Legislation
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) introduced a package of bills on Feb. 12 that seek to redefine U.S. foreign policy with a new progressive baseline, which she dubbed the “Pathway to Peace.” One bill, the Congressional
Trump Administration Issues Massive Sanctions on Venezuela
On 5 August 2019 the Trump Administration issued an executive order imposing additional sanctions on the Government of Venezuela that specifically allows “transactions related to provision of articles such as food, clothing and medicine intended to
Report Summary: Making Sanctions Smarter – Safeguarding Humanitarian Action
In Making Sanction Smarter: Safeguarding Humanitarian Action Alice Debarre of the International Peace Institute argues that although sanctions regimes are used with the assumption that they minimize harm, they actually can devastate civilian populations, particularly